When the nights get longer and the days get colder, a plethora of skincare challenges also follow. From dry, itchy skin to a sufficient lack of Vitamin D, the winter months can be tough on you and your skin. But do not let this be another reason to get you down! With the right products, techniques and level of care, we can help guide you to achieving a glowing complexion throughout winter.
Our top skincare routine for winter
Before you rush to try a hundred new techniques, you must remember a winter skincare routine is not completely different from summer but there are a few amendments. Whereas in summer there should be a focus on SPF, protection and light coatings of moisturiser, in winter, your skin will tend to get drier so will want nourishing products. The drop in temperature and increase in harsher winds, can strip your skin of its natural oils and cause the inside-to-outside drops to feel even more dramatic and tough—especially on your skin.
To help combat and hydrate your skin, look for richer textures as these will loosen tightness and discomfort.
Top winter skincare ingredients
Hyaluronic acid
This ingredient is an excellent hydrator for the skin, as it holds up to 1000 times its weight in water. It will plump up your skin to help reduce the appearance of any wrinkles and fine lines throughout your face — and who wouldn’t want that? This makes any product with hyaluronic acid within it an excellent addition to your winter skincare routine. It will keep you moisturised and also strengthen your skin. Our recommendation? The Clinique’s Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator. This formula keeps the skin moisturised for up to 100 hours and has a rich gel-cream texture, with hyaluronic acid that works to plump and perfect your skin, increasing smoothness and a glowing complexion.
Glycerin
Glycerin is a humectant, a type of moisturising ingredient that draws water from the air to hydrate the skin, strengthening the skin barrier against environmental pollutants. Similar to hyaluronic acid, this will also help to plump your skin to give a firmer appearance throughout your face—think fewer fine lines! It is also ideal for overly sensitive skin types. Try Shiseido’s Softeners & Lotions Treatment for the perfect treatment to support your skin against dark spots and wrinkles. The glycerin in the product will also help to support your skin’s natural defences.
Ceramides
Ceramides are lipids that help to form the natural skin barrier and make up 50% of the skin’s composition. These ingredients have anti-ageing properties and are vital in keeping your skin hydrated and protecting it throughout winter.
In the cold months, you’ll most likely feel as if your skin is tighter and drier, this is due to the damage from indoor heating—ceramides are here to help. You should try, Elizabeth Arden’s Ceramide Premiere Intense Moisture and Renewal Cream, it’s a night treatment that replenishes and revitalises dry, fraglie-looking skin. The use of ceramides in this cream hydrates the skin intensely overnight to restore the natural moisture balance and ease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. You’ll be waking up throughout December with smooth and radiant skin.
Or try Elizabeth Arden’s Retinol Ceramide Capsules. These provide your skin with a targeted treatment that reduces the appearance of lines in a single capsule. You’ll notice an improved texture and tone of your skin for a better complexion—perfect to help fight the impacts of the cold.
(Don’t forget, these capsules should be applied to a cleansed face and neck, not to be consumed!)
How to treat dry skin in winter
Although some people might like the winter months, wrapping up warm and getting cosy inside. The one thing everyone tries to avoid is the dry skin from the cold. To treat your dry skin, opt for the richer creams that use the ingredients mentioned above and encourage a hydration boost. Creams such as the Decléor Lavender Iris Lifting Rich Cream features a blend of hazelnut, lavender and iris oils that improve the skin’s tone and hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture for longer-lasting smoothness. This cream is perfect to use after your skincare routine in the morning, as it is not sticking and thick so is perfect for daily use to combat the cold.
But the best way to treat dry skin is to lather up your face with a thicker moisturiser overnight and we recommend the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Nighttime Miracle Moisuriser. This formula delivers a lightweight, intense hydration that seals in moisture. Forget about the days of waking up with a tired and tight face, this will help you to wake up to smooth and moistured skin.
How to stop itchy skin in winter
Does your skin ever get super itchy and tight during the winter months? Then you’re not alone.
Due to the cold weather, our skin loses hydration, which damages the skin barrier. To soothe and restore skin both on your face and body, lean for products with calming ingredients such as aloe vera and chamomile. The Clarins Body Smoothing Moisture Milk is a simple daily moisturiser that contains Aloe Vera, making it the ultimate product for sensitive skin. Apply a small amount to your body both morning and evening, as the moisturiser is absorbed quickly so you don’t have to wait too long before getting ready for the day. Your body will be grateful for this treatment!
More skincare products and tips
Not quite found the perfect winter skincare product to fit your routine? Dive into our world of hydrating moisturisers and creams, and discover the perfect skincare product. Also, don’t forget to explore our blog for extra tips and advice on skincare, beauty and makeup.
